Sukuh Temple - Solo - Visit Indonesia

Sukuh temple is located in Berjo Village, Argoyoso district, in the slope of mount Lawu 35 Km east of Solo at a height about 910 m above sea level. The temple stretches from the east to the west with the main gate in the west. Sukuh Temple is decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, the only erotic temple in Java. The stepped pyramid is like the ones in South America of the Maya culture. The temples are distinctive compared with other ancient temples in Central Java such as Borobudur and Prambanan, and its uniqueness lies in the landscaping, statuettes, and relief. The temples occupy an 11,000m2 area and consist of three terraces, each connected with an ascending alley. The most influential part is the last terrace, at the very back of the compound. At this very sacred area, once erected a homogenous phallic statue, which is now displayed at the National Museum, Jakarta. Another interesting and controversial factor of this historical site is the artistic relief on its floor, which depict male and female organs symbolizing the birth of life. This kind of construction is common in prehistoric time, especially in the megalithic era of pundan berundak (terrace grave). The temple consist of three terraces, the first terrace is the lowest level, followed by the second and the third above it. The terrace are connected with stairs to each other, each of it has an entrance gate. The temple has believed to be constructed in the 15th century during the declining years of Majapahit Empire. The relief found beside the first gate are believed had mean (sengkalan) reads Gapura Buta Aban Wong and Gapura Buta Anahut Bubut, meaning the year of 1359 saka or 1437 AD.

Johnson, the resident of Surakarta, first discovered the temple in 1815 in a very poor condition during the period of Raffles government. The first study in 1842 had done under the leadership of Dr. Van de Vlis, Hoepermans and was studied by Verbeek in 1889, and finally by Knebel in 1910. _In 1917 there had been an effort to secure and rescue by the office of prehistoric sites of the Netherlands East Indian Government. Then in 1989 the restoration was resumed by the Restoration and Maintenance of Prehistoric and Historic Project in Central Java. The view surrounding the temple is alluring. The road to this temple with impressive grandeur is surfaced all the way. The structure and the mood of Lawu Temple are different from other temples in Java, it is built like a Maya stepped pyramid, and so it is worth seeing.

Sosrowijayan, a Tourist Kampong in the City Center of Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Walking about 200 meters southwards from Tugu railway station, along Malioboro Street, you will find Sosrowijayan kampong. A plank at the corner of the small street with the same name on it leads you to the area. Connecting Dagen Street and Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan is split into two areas, namely East Sosrowijayan and West Sosrowijayan. Later, East Sosrowijayan is known as the second famous tourist kampong in Yogyakarta after Prawirotaman.

Arriving at the T-junction of the street named after the past authority of the area (Sosrowijoyo), you will be greeted friendly by pedicab drivers. Usually, they will assist you to get lodgings or take a mini tour along Malioboro Street or to get bakpia (the special snack of this city) at Pathok area by riding their pedicab. Many guides will readily assist you to get lodgings, for example. They will tell you many things about places of interests in Yogyakarta, too.

Entering Sosrowijayan area, you will see an old building functioning as a lodging, namely Aziatic Hotel. The building that was built during the Dutch colonization has typical European architecture. The building has white wall with three doors and some supporting pillars on the front side, while the name of the hotel is directly embossed to the wall in black color. Once, this hotel was used as the shooting location of 'Daun di Atas Bantal (The Leaf on A Pillow)' film that was shown in Cannes Film Festival.

Entering the first alley, there are two bookshops. Most of the works sold there are novels in English; some of them are in Indonesian language. You can freely select or just take a quick reading of the content since they are all unwrapped. Even though most of them are used ones, physical quality of the books is preserved so well that they are worth collecting. The prices vary but they are definitely cheaper than those in bookshops.

If you want to be able to make batik, you can take a course offered by a lodging in the second alley. Close to the lodging, there is a batik studio managed by a local inhabitant. The style of the batik in this studio is painting batik, just like the ones you find in Taman kampong, near Tamansari Water Castle. The superiority of painting batik lies of its colors and temporary design.

As a kampong for tourists, there must be many guesthouses there. Different from the ones in Prawirotaman, the guesthouses and lodgings in this kampong are among local people's houses since most of them are in the alleys of the kampong. If you want to stay in more a private lodging, you can choose one among many hotels alongside Sosrowijayan Street. The tariff of the lodgings in this kampong that is located to the south of Pasar Kembang area is not different from that in Prawirotaman.

In the afternoon, while relaxing after wandering about Yogyakarta, you can enjoy the life of local children. Usually, girls will play rope jump or other traditional children games and boys gather in a certain place to have a chat. Meanwhile, the young people play guitar while singing Indonesian hit songs. They are members of Maliboro Art Community that in certain occasions they perform on stages.

Tour travels are also available in Sosrowijayan. Moneychanger, internet connection, telecommunication booth, motorcycle and car rental are all available for your convenience. When you are hungry, you can just go to dining places opened by local inhabitants. At the end of the first alley, for example, there is a simple dining place yet many foreign tourists come to have meals. Traditional cuisine such as fried noodle, stir-fried vegetables with chili and other delicious dishes are served. Some restaurants serve steak and other menus at affordable prices.

In the evening time, Sosrowijayan gets more vivid. Many young people gather at the street sides while some cafes tune live music as an alternative amusement. In combination with the nightlife of Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan becomes vivid. A small warong under an orange tent that local people call angkringan is a nice place to have a talk. While chatting, you can enjoy tea, ginger beverage, or the other delicious menus at very cheap prices.

Prawirotaman, a World-known Kampong of Batik and Lodging - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Prawirotaman, an area located about five kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city can be an alternative when you find difficulties to get lodgings. There are not only unique lodgings at affordable prices in this area, but also art shops, cafes, book shops, a traditional market, and a stone inscription that can be an alternative tour as well.

Prawirotaman as a kampong began to be known in the ninth century, when a servant of the kingdom named Prawirotomo was granted a piece of land. Since the beginning, this kampong has been playing quite big role for Yogyakarta. In pre-independence era, this kampong functioned as strugglers' concentration point. In the post-independence era, 1960s to be exact, this kampong was famous for its printed batik that was managed by the descendents of Prawirotomo. Since 1970s, however, when batik business began to slack, the descendants of Prawirotomo clan switched their business to lodging services and, hence, Prawirotaman was known as a tourist kampong.

Entering Prawirotaman area, you will be greeted by nuance of the kampong in a city center with vehicles passes to and fro of the street and warm welcome by local inhabitants that most of them at least speak English. A chain of hotels with unique architecture, from classic Java to modern design, is available. The rates are around 50,000 to 300,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Even though there are several hotels of which management have been done by other people, most of the hotels are managed by the descendents of Werdoyoprawiro, Suroprawiro, and Mangunprawiro big families.

The area of Prawirotaman I or usually is called Prawirotaman is the most popular area. In addition to lodging, there are other facilities in this area such as travel agents, internet connection and telecommunication booth, café, restaurant and bookshop. Cafes and restaurants serve both Javanese cuisine and European cuisine or blend of them. The bookshop provides good books at cheaper prices. Imported books that normally cost hundreds thousand can be obtained only at 35,000 to 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Sometimes, foreigners exchange their book collection.

Some art shops sell unique, artistic works. There are tables made of bamboo, batik cloth, cupboard made of whole log and antique things such as decoration lamp and old kris. One of saleable antique things is batik mould. This mould is used as decoration, air ventilation or a collection of high historical value. Once, a German bought 1,000 batik moulds from a batik factory that does not operate anymore.

To the south of Prawirotaman I area is Prawirotaman II that directly borders on a traditional market. Walking through the tradition market in the morning is an alternative of an interesting tour. While looking at the busy people who buy daily needs, you can try traditional snacks. If you go further to the south, you will come to Prawirotaman III area. This place mainly functions as a dwelling place of local people.

Even though the real name of the areas to the south of Prawirotaman is Prawirotaman II and Prawirotaman III, the area is known as Jalan Gerilya. According to story, the area was the headquarter of Prajurit Hantu Maut (the Deadly Ghost Soldiers) as the Indonesian independence strugglers lead by Mr. Tulus. At the corner of a street, there is a stone inscription made to commemorate the struggle of the troop. The other troop in the area was Prawirotomo soldier.

You do not have to worry for the transportation for your tour. Some motorcycle and car rentals, even pick up service are available. If you have not set up your itinerary, some travel agents have sufficient reference of interesting tourism objects, ranging from cultural tourism such as temples and Sultan Palace to adventure tourism such as tracking.

Kasongan Village Antique Handicraft - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

In the Dutch colonial time, in one of the areas at the southern part of Yogyakarta there was a shocking and even threatening occurrence with the finding of a dead horse owned by a Dutch detective on a rice field of a villager. Being afraid of punishment, the villager gave up his land ownership and did not acknowledge his land anymore. This was followed by other villagers. This given up land was then possessed by people of other village. Having no more fields to cultivate, the local people ended up with becoming ceramics craftsmen to make toys and kitchen sets until now. This was revealed in an interview by Prof. Gustami at all with local elders in 1980s. It is that area that we know it as Kasongan until present time; a village in Kajen hamlet that is situated in low mountains with limestone soil. It takes 15-20 minutes drive from the city center.

Kasongan village is the dwelling place of kundis, which means earthenware jugs and later refers to people who make any earthenware jug-like as kitchen tools and ornaments.
"Beginning from our ancestor's habit to knead clay that turns out not to break when it is united, and begin to make some functions for kid toys and kitchen tools. The habit was then descended to current generation," said Giman, one of the workers in Loro Blonyo workshop.

Visiting Kasongan village, the tourists will be welcomed warmly by local inhabitants. They may have a look the showroom crowded with ceramic handicrafts. If they are interested in seeing the ceramics making, tourists can visit some ceramic galleries that produce the special handicrafts at site. The processes are material kneading, shaping, drying that takes 2-4 days and burning before finally being finished using wall paint or roof-tile paint.

Working collectively, a gallery is usually a family business run from generation to the next generation. Even though ceramics making is now involving neighbors of surrounding dwelling place of the gallery owner, the family is still responsible for material selection and production monitoring.

Bedhoyo Angron Akung Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia

Yogyakarta – boisterous public meeting or in part outside the Palace of Yogyakarta Pura Paku Alaman. Typically, the crowd just outside or centered on the Square in the palace that night filled with stalls lesehan. Enough with the glass of coffee or hot ginger, where people can survive for hours chatting. Drinking, chatting and eating rice cat. All three are privileged to enjoy a blend of Yogyakarta.

That night Pura Paku Alaman was performing classical dance style of Yogyakarta. Obviously! Reference this show comes from the standard procedure in the court. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, a number of folk art exhibited in the courtyard palace is often referred to as the Square Sewandanan. Similarly, the event was held for three consecutive days. Department of Culture held in cooperation with two of Yogyakarta palace in Yogyakarta, the Sultanate and Paku Alaman.

Classical repertoire on the first day of the Dance Srimpi Renggawati. Dancers danced by five men, one of which acts as a Goddess Renggawati. Once, the goddess found a white meliwis none other than the incarnation of King Angling Darma. The Goddess Renggawati itself is basically the incarnation Setyawati – consort of King. As a result, encounter both serene feel of a sweep. Not to mention the pulsating dance accompaniment with a slow tempo. Overall the feel of a mind that is very touching.

On the second day, the composition shown is the dance drama titled Banjaransari and backgrounds Ramayana puppet people. At first glance impression on the second day is a colossal elements. Appearing in the show dancers both male and female senior and young young. In closing on the third day, which is displayed is Bedhaya Angron Akung Dance, performed by seven female dancers. It is as reinforce its position as the highest caste in this type of Javanese dance, the repertoire comes with accompaniment and an impressive all-round fashion.

Observed one at a dance-dance classic Yogyakarta style, slowly starting to look a difference with the Surakarta style that I saw a while ago. In the case of hand movements, classical dance style of the dominant Yogyakarta by folding the thumb and four fingers leaving the other open meetings. Meanwhile, the other fingers will be sealed between the forefinger with the thumb to form a coil that looks manicured hands. Movement is present in this type of dance and dance daughter’s son. At first glance the impression that can not only slender but firmly. A combination of strength and softness.

In terms of costumes, classical dance performances Yogyakarta style looks more simple, no indulgence in colorful fabric sheen and luster of gold jewelry. The layman can definitely see the difference between classical dance dress in costume “Javanese wayang” commonly appears on television. There is a similarity of forms, but the detail and variety of different dressing.

See what comes either from the movement as well as clothes, dance classic Yogyakarta style comes with a certain identity between Javanese dance in general. Looking back, it is highly unusual given the birth of the palace itself, which is a fraction of the previous Islamic Mataram dynasty centered in Surakarta. Like a younger brother that make up the identity, of course not the same as his elder brother. See it in the present era, or perhaps later, the feel of softness, strength, and simplicity that appear in classical dance performances like the hope that these elements are always there in the Yogyakarta special.

Bedhaya Harjuna Wijaya Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia

“Harjuna Wijaya” Bedhaya Dance, is the third creation of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X. His debut in 2007 entitled “Arjuna Wiwaha”. In 2004, coincides with the celebration of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX as the national hero created “Amurwo Bumi” is a form of respect for his father (Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX). Helped by R Riya Kusumaningrat (RAy Sri Kadaryati) as senior stylist dance received orders from Sri Sultan for this Bedaya Dance. Motion search process begins with translating synopsis of the story directly by Sri Sultan.

By Sri Sultan “Harjuna Wijaya” Bedhaya Dance, is about Harjuna figures – not a figure who frequently change partners, but he is a true warrior as well as a real human being that led to the perfect level, a man who know the events that had happened and deserve to be role models for the knights and humans.

Harjuna is a true Warrior, a perfect example of people who live their lives with a focus on three things: Tirta Martini; springs of human life, “banyu penguripan” became the core of water resources in the human body (sperm). Tirta Kamandanu; Container of the sperm (ovary) human beings, the principle of sperm and ovaries fulfilled at the time of husband and wife make sexual intercourse. The last, Tirta Prawita Sari; when tirta martani and tirta kamandanu blends in wife’s body, will grow the strength charisma radiated light. From the beginning that people always have to remember to know and evaluate each event so that people will get lessons that mankind would become world light.

If bedhaya dance embodied in the life of an individual may be interpreted as a symbol of wind direction, the position of planets in the life of the universe, and symbol nine air holes in the human body as the completeness of life. Hole in the both eyes, two nostrils, one mouth, two ears, one male/female sex, and one hole in backside.

According to Javanese society, the nine elements of air holes that have in the control of human life and can cause many problems if not maintained and controlled. Received message, that human beings are expected to surrender, and always doing introspection through reflection, meditation and dialogue with God.

Motion of Bedhaya Dance which is laden with symbolic values and philosophy of krawuh dance Mataram, draw conclusions on the lives of the world will link, and more oriented toward self-understanding, self-reflection among human beings as individual persons with the gods. Life must be seen as a struggle not only done without meaning.

Dance Bedhaya guide us in determining the choice of good or bad, should curb appetite humble, honest in word and action. Toward the human level though not as perfect as perfect Harjuna figures.

Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia

One type of classical dance style created by the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Hamengku Buwana X. This dance is a legitimate work of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X to the Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX), which have a philosophical concept, which is faithful to the promise, steadfast character, sturdy, tolerant, always doing good and socially, the concept and the basic idea of this dance from Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X. While the choreography by K.R.T. Sasmintadipura.

Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi first staged in Ward Kencono at the time of appointment and conferment of National Hero title to the lane IX in 1990.

The Amurwabhumi Bedhaya danced by nine women (dancers) and a duration of two and a half (2.5) hours, accompanied by a dramatic rhythm of tenderness as a symbol depicting the most essential for each king always have their own expressions and concepts in each of devotion to his people with trying to build leadership good, through the mindset to nurture and welfare of the people.

The Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi as with others in accordance with the tradition still refer to the standard benchmark bedhaya dance. Basic story is taken from the fiber or the Book of the Queen Pararaton Tumapel and Majapahit, which finished on Saturday Pahing bertepetan. The central Bedhaya Amurwabhumi take on the marriage Amurwabhumi (Ken Arok) with Prajnaparamita (Ken Dedes) symbol of the spirit of patriotism and leadership philosophy.

Bedhaya Sumreg Dance - Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Visit Indonesia

Bedhaya Sumreg Dance is one of the “dance inheritance” property of the Jogjakarta Keraton Palace. Classical dance is not merely a composition of gestures that are created into a single entity serving the whole spectacle. But behind the dance classic, stored on a story or a very high philosophical meaning is conveyed as a message for the human life. Bedhaya Sumreg has meaning as an angel who danced to the accompaniment of gending Ageng Ladrang and Ketawang.

Bedhaya Sumreg first appeared in the Sri Susuhunan Pakubowono I. After breaking into Kasuhunan Mataram Sultanate of Surakarta and Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I compile again Bedhaya Sumreg along with the establishment of Sultanate of Yogyakarta. When Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I run on the beach Parangkusuma Labuh ceremony, he was greeted with Bedhaya Sumreg who danced by the dancers from the South Coast.This Dance show about the attitude and the way taken by the leader in addressing shared problems of his era. Bedhaya messages conveyed by this is that human life on earth back to mutual respect and respect for all forms of differences with relationships based on kinship, cultural, and religious.

Yogyakarta Classical Dance - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

As a cultural center, the Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat noble civilization has a variety of cultural wealth has high artistic value. One is the classical dance of Java, Yogyakarta-Mataraman style very many kinds and amounts due to start there when courts stand up and still exist to preserve and grow even now onwards along with the existence of the palace itself.

Sultanate Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat have dances that are very sacred heritage, namely Bedhaya Semang, which is the parent of all styles of dance daughter of Yogyakarta. Another Dance-old is old enough and Bedhaya Beksan Lawung Ageng Sumreg. Both were created by Sultan HB I. In addition there are several types of classical dance is very well known among others Bedhaya (Bedhaya Kuwung-Kuwung, Bedhaya Tunjung Anom, Bedhaya sinom, etc.), Guntur Segaran, Srimpi (Srimpi Renyep-Renggowati, Srimpi Pandhelori, etc.), Beksa Klana (Klana King , Klana Mask, Klana Alush), Beksa Golek Menak, etc..

Classical dance is not merely a composition of gestures that are created into a single entity serving the whole spectacle. But behind the dance classic, stored on a story or a very high philosophical meaning is conveyed as a message for the human life.

Some of the classical dance styles-Mataraman Yogyakarta, which among others also become cultural treasures Sultanate Palace Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat I can find the documentation.:

Silver Handmade Kotagede - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

The presence of silver craftsmen appear along with the birth of Mataram Kingdom, Kotagede is an area where the former capital of Mataram Kingdom which was founded by Panembahan Senopati. The development of silver Kotagede not be separated also from the Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) that go to Yogyakarta around the 16th century. At that time, many traders are ordering VOC household appliances from gold, silver, copper and brass to a population of approximately Kotagede. Until now, people in the region Kotagede still many who work as craftsmen. Some of them work as craftsmen of gold, silver, copper, brass, horns and many others. Over time, silver became the most sought after product so many craftsmen who choose to become a silversmith and silver in its development characterizes the area Kotagede.

Silver craft and shop in the town can be easily met along the road. Generaly, the craftman have a show room to display their silver products. One of the center showroom located on the main street Kotagede.There are about 40 showrooms or stores of silver on a small scale, medium and large. Not just along the road Packaging showroom you can visit alone, as many silver craftsmen are located within the township one of them is in Basen village. It has many tourist village silver smith with a diversity of silver and of course if you buy the product directly to the artisans, a more economical price can be found. Basen Tourism Village is located in RW 04, sub Purbayan, Kotagede.

Types of silver are sold in the region Kotagede diverse, mostly selling silver type the numbers 925 means 925 indicates the percentage content of silver in it. 925 means 92.5% silver + 7.5% copper, because if you made 100% pure silver is too soft. Copper as a mixture of materials that could be more robust silver metal is processed into jewelry. Silver has a pure silver levels ranging from 999, 925, 850, 835, 825, and 800. For silver with 800 purity levels will be faster black (oxidized) than the silver with 925 purity tigkat. That's why rarely found silver jewelry stamped with 800.

The silver is purely made by hand, without relying on the machine. From the beginning to the end of the process done by hand. Craft is what is the origin of the silver industry in the town of Yogyakarta and even silver even today in the town is still dominated handmade crafts (handmade).

Yogyakarta Batik - Visit Indonesia

Yogyakarta Batik is the typical handicrafts and souvenirs which are much sought after tourists. In 15th-century art of batik has Yogyakarta Batik is the typical handicrafts and souvenirs which are much sought after tourists. In 15th-century art of batik has started to progress and develop. When it gets batik art from the influence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam against the existing style of batik. In this Age of the batik were made only in an environment favored by the daughter of the Palace and the Palace.Batik has a variety of motives. Not only from within the country, batik there originated from foreign countries, like Russia.

In Indonesia, batik is also varied, including Batik Yogyakarta and Solo batik. Although both use ukel-cement and cement, but in fact these two different batik. The difference is in color. Jogja Batik is white with black shades, while the Solo batik yellow with no white complexion.

Use of this batik cloth also vary. In the Kraton Jogja, there are rules about the use of batik cloth grip of this. For a wedding, batik fabrics used must be patterned Sidomukti, Sidoluhur, Sidoasih, Taruntum, or Grompol. While for Mitoni event, which may be imposed batik cloth is batik-patterned cloth picis Ceplok Garudo, Parang Mangkoro, or Gringsing Mangkoro. Some examples of classical motifs such Yogyakarta: Parang, Geometry, latticework, ivy, Motive Water plants, flowers, animals in life and others. Use of Batik today not only as a fabric, but also as apparel, Bed Cover, Pillow and others.

Currently batik has become a new trend in society. Not only clothing that uses batik as a fabric material. Pillowcases, gordyn, and bed sheets have also been using batik cloth. This is a good beginning for the preservation of batik art. Initially have to love first, then comes a sense andarbeni (a) and end-uri nguri (preserve).
This awareness has begun and continues to be encouraged. Batik Kraton Tamanan was formed to specifically Kraton Jogja batik motifs.

Tamansari Water Castel - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Taman Sari also known as Tamansari Water Castle is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta built by portugese's invisible hand in 18th century. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton Yogyakarta. The Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place

It has a big pool inside and high tower at the north and south. Arch windows set on the wall of the tower. There are 2 big teakwood doors, at the west and east, both exits to Tamansari Kampong. In the past, the bath building is surrounded by beautiful wide scale park, being a favorite place for royal family to get a walk in morning and evening. Actually, the bath is one of the buildings on the complex; you also find a retreat place for Sultan and royal family near the water castle.

In the north of water castle, there are several buildings: Pulau Cemeti (Cemeti Island), Sumur Gumuling (Gumuling Well) and tens of secret tunnels. You can see Pulau Cemeti if you walk to the south of Pasar Ngasem (Ngasem Market). By stepped chairs, you can see landscape of the city at the top of the building. It used to scout enemy. Sumur Gumuling is a circular building, it has circular chair inside, like a well. It has 6 arch voids. The yellow sunlight comes to the open skylight; it's beautiful in the morning. Historian says, Sumur Gumuling also used to be a mosque, but identified by scientist, it also been a big water catchment well to protect the complex from flood.

The remaining mysteries are tens of secret tunnels, the point of the tunnel find near Sumur Gumuling, it has no end journey inside. People say some men tried to solve the mystery several years ago, but they have disappeared after enter the tunnel. In the past, the tunnel used to escape by royal family, to the south. At the surface, the Tamansari looks like a wide park, but in the lower ground looks like a strong underground fortress with complex circulation. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I era by Raden Ronggo Prawirosentiko, the regent of Madiun Regency as the architect and Demang Tegis, a Portuguese man as the constructor. So, probably this Portuguese man gave his touch to the design.

Merapi Volcano - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Merapi Volcano is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in the southern region of Java. It is situated at a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a section of the fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia. Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about 395,000 years ago, and from then until about 10,000 years ago, eruptions were typically effusive, and the outflowing lava emitted was basaltic. Merapi Volcano can be very destructive in nature.Since then, eruptions have become much more explosive, with viscous andesitic lavas often generating lava domes. Dome collapse's have often generated pyroclastic flows, and larger explosions, which have resulted in eruption columns, have also generated pyroclastic flows through column collapse.

Mendut Temple - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Built for worship, Mendut Temple is dedicated to Buddha Sakyamuni with a pantheon of bodhisattva. Mendut is the oldest of the three temples including Pawon and Borobudur. The Karang Tengah inscription, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra dynasty. The inscription dated 824 AD mentioned that King Indra of Sailendra has built a sacred building named Venuvana which means ''bamboo forest''. Dutch archaeologist JG de Casparis has connected the temple mentioned in Karang Tengah inscription with Mendut temple.

The temple located about three kilometres east from Borobudur. Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon all of which are Buddhist temples, are located in one straight line. There is a mutual religious relationship between the three temples. Today, during the full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe Vesak annual ritual by walking from Mendut passing through Pawon and ends at Borobudur.

In the chamber, you can see three big statues enclosed in the square-shaped temple: Sakyamuni (Sitting in cross legged pose with dharma cakra mudra position ; turning the wheel of dharma hand gesture), Awalokiteswara (A bodhi satwa as a human helper), and Maitreya (The savior of humans for the future).

Mendut Temple is located some 45 minutes northeast of Yogyakarta. It sits on a hill in the town of Muntilan in the Magelang District. Most travel agents in Yogyakarta offer the day-trip excursion to this temple as part of the tour to Candi Borobudur located nearby.

Malioboro - Yogyakarta - Visit Indonesia

Jalan Malioboro (English: Malioboro Street) is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; the name is also used more generally for the neighborhood around the street. It lies north in the line between Yogyakarta Kraton and Mount Merapi. This is in itself is significant to many of the local population, the north south orientation between the palace and the volcano being of importance. The street is the centre of Yogyakarta's largest tourist district surrounded with many hotels and restaurants nearby. Sidewalks on both sides of the street are crowded with small stalls selling a variety of goods. In the evening several open-air streetside restaurants, called lesehan, operate along the street. Less obvious to the tourist, but more for the local population, side streets, lanes and structures that lead on to Malioboro are as important as the street itself.

The street was for many years two-way, but by the 1980s had become one way only, from the railway line (where it starts) to the south - to Beringharjo markets, where it ends. The largest, oldest Dutch era hotel, Hotel Garuda, is located on the street's northern end, on the eastern side adjacent to the railway line. It has the former Dutch era Prime Minister's complex, the kepatihan, on the eastern side.

For many years in the 1980s and later, a cigarette advertisement was placed on the first building south of the railway line - or effectively the last building on Malioboro, which advertised Marlboro cigarettes, no doubt appealing to locals and foreigners who would see a pun with name of the street with a foreign product being advertised.

It does not reach the walls or grounds of the Yogyakarta palace, as Malioboro ceases in name adjacent to the very large market Beringharjo (on the eastern side as well). From this point the street changes name to Jalan Ahmad Yani (Ahmad Yani Street) and has the former Governors residence on the western side, and the old Dutch Fort Vredeburg on the eastern side.

Yogyakarta Palace - Visit Indonesia

Kraton or the Palace where Sultan and his family of Yogyakarta live is located in the center of the axis stretching from the north to the south, and in the secondary axis from the east to the west. It is encircled by row of the mountains called the Horizon as the border of the universe.

Keraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat or now better known by the name of Yogyakarta Palace is the center of Javanese culture living museum that is in the Special Region Yogykarta (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta). Not just becomes the place to live for the king and his family, the palace is also a main direction of cultural development of Java, as well as the flame guard of the culture. At this place tourists can learn and see directly on how the Javanese culture continues to live and be preserved. Yogyakarta Palace was built by Pangeran Mangkubumi (Prince Mangkubumi )in 1755, several months after the signing of the Perjanjian Giyanti (the Agreement Giyanti). Banyan forest (Hutan Beringin) was chosen as the place for building the palace because the land was between two rivers that were considered good and protected from possible flooding. Although already hundreds of years old and were damaged by the massive earthquake in 1867, Yogyakarta Palace buildings still stand firmly and well maintained.

Visiting Yogyakarta Palace will provide both valuable and memorable experience. The palace that became the center of an imaginary line connecting Parangtritis Beach and Mount Merapi has 2 booth doors. The first in Tepas Keprajuritan (in front of Alun-Alun Utara), and in Tepas Tourism (Regol Keben). If entering from Tepas Keprajuritan, visitors can only enter Bangsal Pagelaran and Siti Hinggil and see a collection of some palace carriages, if entering from Tepas Pariwisata, then you can enter Sri Manganti complex and Kedhaton where there is Bangsal Kencono (Kencono Ward) that is the main hall of the kingdom. The distance between the first and second booth door was not far, just by walking down Jalan Rotowijayan, visitors can walk or ride a rickshaw.

There are many things that can be seen at Yogyakarta Palace, ranging from the activity of servants in the palace who are doing the job or to see properties collection of the palace. Collections are kept in glass boxes that are spread various rooms ranging from ceramics and glassware, weapons, photographs, miniatures and replicas, to various kinds of batik and its deorama of the making process. Furthermore, tourists can also enjoy the art performances with different schedules each day. The show starts from the human puppet, macapat, puppet show, shadow puppets, and dances. To enjoy art performances, tourists do not need to pay additional costs. If you come on Tuesday Wage, you can watch Jemparingan or archery competition in Mataraman style in Kemandhungan Kidul (South Kemandhungan). Jemparingan is conducted for the heritage of Sri Sultan HB X. The uniqueness of this jemparingan is that every participant must wear Javanese traditional clothing and archery in a sitting position.